Green Meadow Houses & Feeders of Shipshewana, IN

A few weeks back one of our contributors shared a photo of his buggy-shaped bird feeder, which got comments from a number of you. That feeder was made by Green Meadow Houses and Feeders, an Amish-owned business located near Shipshewana in northern Indiana.

John’s story is a common one for Amish business owners–an opportunity arose, he seized it, and then developed his business gradually rather than quitting his day job at first chance. John’s business is a small, at-home, family affair, just like most other Amish companies.

From John’s account I learned that there is more than one kind of bird feeder, depending on what kind of birds you want to attract, be they chickadees, orioles, wrens, and so on. Green Meadow also makes butterfly houses and, to my surprise, bat houses, apparently a quite popular item.

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We would like to see if you could wholesale some of your bird houses. Would you be interested in making some other toys etc.? you may Call us at 847 2345426 7am to 6pm CST OR mail to RALPH BECKER D/B/A LAKE BLUFF TRADERS 407 BIRCH AVE. UNIT B LAKE BLUFF, IL.60044

There is a man in the Conewango Amish community that makes a similar buggy bird house. Bird houses and feeders are made at an outdoor furniture shop from the scape pieces of plastic lumber..”mess not.”

I have a similar Amish-made (poly) suet holder, and love it. Although some critter (most likely one of our resident squirrels) has gnawed on it a little, it’s still in good shape after a little over a year. The colors hold up well, and I really like the idea that some of those plastic milk jugs I recycle can help the economy (& the Amish) by being made into useful items. Attracting & feeding birds (yes, and other critters) to my yard is my year-’round hobby. I hope to buy more Amish-made poly items this Spring (if it ever comes, that is!!)

Oh, just wondering about the microwave in one of the linked photos–is it to heat up food, or does it have some use in the “manufacturing” process? (Ya never know!) 😉

John did say it is a microwave. His son brought it home from the RV factory he worked in and told John he should keep it in the shop in case he wanted to warm up lunch. Microwaves and coffee makers are common in the RV factories, but you don’t typically see them in an Amish shop. This microwave “migrated.”

Maybe I missed it, but which community is the for? The Amish themselves or we English?

Not that anyone will miss me, but I’m not going to comment for a period of time because I am changing locations and won’t have a computer at home for a period of time, I’m not sure how long. I’ll probably peek into a library and read there but I don’t plan on replying much until the home access is restored and I am 70 percent settled after my move. Be well

Have a successful move Shom, and thanks for mentioning–I was actually wondering about you the other day since hadn’t heard from you in awhile.

I think a word got left out of your question, but if I got your meaning right I’m pretty sure John would have customers among both English and Amish, though I don’t know the %. Based on his comments on the linked page, sounds like they do good business from tourist visitors.

Yes Erik, I’m sorry, I left out a couple of key words accidentially. I was, as you correctly guessed, wondering “Which community is this for..” Because I was and am typing in Notepad it doesn’t detect errors. Thanks for answering my question.

I think my move should be done smoothly and quickly, I have a lot of my stuff over at the new place already, and I should be finished by the end of the day (the unpacking on the other hand..). It just sucks that I have a mild cold and its the middle of winter.

I saw the Amish buggy bird feeder and I had to get it, now it sits in my room waiting for the Big move to Middlebury, Don’t get it wrong I love the feeder, but I already have 3 different feeders at my house in Lake county, now it decorates my room, it goes good with the Hoot I bought out there too.

Erik, Several years ago, in Shipshewanna we used to purchase cabinets from Reigseger Cabinets,Weaver Furniture and many other items for homes we used to build. Enjoyed the Birkys bed and breakfast( they raised sheep) and many others. Loved the Ice cream socials and so many other times with the Amish. I think some people think of them as strange, but if you understand their devotion to the bible,wanting to serve and worship God. Their honesty is amazing and many have a great sense of humor.Their life style amazes me.Their language is so close to German I can usually under stand them. Ralph Becker

I will stop at the 5 and 20 diner for lunch then get my feeder, I’ll be the only one on my block with the coolest looking feeder I forget i’m the only one who feeds the birds, so i will just have s cool feeder, ha ha ha.

Lisa, if you give some kind of contact info, I can pass it right along to John for him to contact you. John has heard you want to get in touch and needs either your phone, fax or email to do so. Thanks.

I would like to thank you for the quick response in getting my beautiful Amish Bird Feeder to me in NH. It is wonderful craftsmanship. As soon as Spring arrives and I can get the post in the ground, it will have a special place in my yard. Thank you again and I will be in touch with you again to order the buggy birdhouse. Until then, i wish you and your family a happy and healthy 2015.